Kurtley Beale has described the NSW Waratahs' Super Rugby opening round loss as "very embarrassing" and says the players - not coach Michael Cheika - must take the blame.
After being unbeaten at home in their 2014 title-winning campaign, the Waratahs crashed to a 25-13 loss to the Western Force at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
"Coming back home and starting the season like we did yesterday is definitely a very embarrassing performance," said Beale on Monday.
"We owe a lot to our fans. They turn up week in, week out.
"No doubt what we're all thinking leading into this week's game is to try and redeem ourselves."
Cheika took the blame for the defeat afterwards, saying he obviously hadn't prepared the team well enough.
However he dismissed any suggestion that he had been distracted by his dual role as Wallabies coach heading into the World Cup year.
Beale said the players had to accept responsibility for their insipid effort.
"I don't think it's the coach's fault, it's definitely up to the playing group to go out there and get the job done," he said.
The Waratahs now begin a run of away games starting with a clash with the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.
The Rebels will be on a high after toppling 2014 finalists the Crusaders in Christchurch to notch their first-ever win outside Australia.
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